Cumberland Council is asking members of the public to report any information after a series of vandalism incidents resulted in significant damage to street lighting in Cockermouth.
Over recent weeks, 26 street lights have been damaged across the town at an estimated cost of £8,000. The damage is believed to have been caused by individuals using items such as air rifles or catapults to target lighting equipment.
Incidents have been reported along The Greenway, between the River Cocker and Bellbrigg Lonning, as well as at Millers Footbridge, with all known cases reported to Cumbria Police.
The vandalism has left a number of streetlights out of action, creating unnecessary repair costs and diverting resources that could otherwise be spent on maintaining and improving local infrastructure.
Karl Melville, Cumberland Council's Assistant Director for Highways & Transport, said:
"Deliberately damaging public infrastructure is not acceptable. These acts of vandalism are costing taxpayers thousands of pounds and can affect the safety and wellbeing of people who use these routes.
"We are working to repair or replace the damaged equipment and will continue to monitor the situation closely. We would encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious activity or has information about those responsible to contact Cumbria Police.
"We would also ask residents to report any street lighting faults or damage so that our teams can investigate and arrange repairs as quickly as possible."
Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact Cumbria Police. Street lighting faults or damage can also be reported to Cumberland Council via its webpage at https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/roadsor by phoning the Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736.
